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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฉ Bangladesh /Environment & Climate

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From Daily Star · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The government plans an integrated, environment-friendly, long-term plan for sustainable Teesta river management, prioritizing the Teesta Master Plan.
  • Measures will focus on preventing erosion, controlling floods, and managing water resources while considering livelihoods, agriculture, and the environment.
  • The plan aims to address water scarcity in dry seasons and excessive flow during monsoons, impacting people in five northern districts.

Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee announced that the government will prioritize the Teesta Master Plan, developing an integrated, environment-friendly, and long-term strategy for the sustainable management of the Teesta river. This initiative aims to effectively address issues such as riverbank erosion, flood control, and water resource management.

The plan will place significant emphasis on the livelihoods, agriculture, environment, and economic interests of the people residing in the Teesta basin. Minister Anee highlighted that the Teesta river is intrinsically linked to the well-being of communities in five northern districts, who have long suffered from water scarcity during the dry season and excessive flow during the monsoon. The project is intended to be implemented as quickly as possible.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu expressed the prime minister's commitment to the Teesta Master Plan, anticipating a swift and acceptable solution to alleviate the suffering of those living along the river. State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad added that the government is actively working towards making the master plan sustainable. A technical committee has been formed, and consultations are underway with domestic and international experts and stakeholders to gather diverse opinions.

Discussions at a seminar on sustainable Teesta river management, jointly organized by the Ministry of Water Resources and Buetโ€™s Water Resources Engineering Department, covered various aspects of the river's challenges. Presentations included keynote papers on Teesta-related issues, sustainable management options, water conservation, and irrigation development. The seminar also featured a panel discussion with experts from relevant government bodies and academic institutions, underscoring the collaborative approach to tackling the complex issues surrounding the Teesta river.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.